On December 6, 2023, Nollywood’s animation universe witnessed an epoch-making night with the homecoming of Disney’s KIZAZI MOTO: GENERATION FIRE, a Pan-African 10-short film animation anthology series. Kizazi Moto, meaning ‘Generation Fire’ in Swahili, showcases ten short films by fourteen young African filmmakers from Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
The animated series was produced by Triggerfish Animation Studios Cape Town; and out of 73 filmmakers who pitched, only 14 made the cut. Eight South African filmmakers, two Zimbabwean filmmakers, and one filmmaker each from Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, and Uganda, respectively.
The event was presented by the American Film Showcase, USC School of Cinematic Arts, and the U.S. Consulate General Lagos courtesy of the consul general, Will Stevens, and hosted by AFRIFF – Africa International Film Festival courtesy of Chioma Ude, the founder of AFRIFF, who has over the years created platforms at AFRIFF that have trained young African filmmakers in animation.
The event was moderated by African animation promoter and visual artist, Adebimpe Adebambo and Ibrahim Aliyu, the cultural affairs specialist at the US Consulate Lagos.
The Lagos homecoming featured not just KIZAZI MOTO but also US-based Shofela Coker, a Nigerian illustrator, and director. Shofela, from a family of artists and having been away since 2005, is the only Nigerian filmmaker in KIZAZI MOTO. His film MOREMI opened the night, offering a visual spectacle of 3D and 2D animation.
MOREMI’s storytelling, cryptic with Easter eggs, requires a rewatch to fully appreciate the depth of emotions conveyed. Shofela described MOREMI as his homecoming, a reconnection to his roots, open to audience interpretation.
Adebimpe Adebambo asked Shofela why he chose to work with South Africa’s Lucan Studio rather than a Nigerian one. He cited the lack of local studios meeting the required criteria for MOREMI’s scale.
Other films screened included:
- HATIMA (South Africa) by Isaac Mogajane and Terrence Maluleke, presents a colorful and emotional tale of conflict between two nations.
- STARDUST (Egypt) by Ahmed Teilab, delves into an outcast girl’s journey, with aesthetics similar to Prince of Persia.
- MKHUZI: THE SPIRIT RACER (South Africa) by Malcolm Wopé and Simangaliso “Panda” Sonata, features a fast-paced, manga/anime-style adventure.
- ENKAI (Kenya) by Ngendo Mukii, focuses on a girl’s struggle against her mother’s expectations, highlighting her charm and determination.
The audience’s favorite, MKHUZI: THE SPIRIT RACER, was particularly well-received, eliciting laughter with its vibrant 2D animation.
The KIZAZI MOTO anthology’s showcase of diverse African narratives and innovative animation represents a new chapter in the evolution of animated storytelling across Africa.
Ebukah Emmanuel Nzeji is a Trailer Editor, Film Journalist, and Comics/Animation enthusiast.
Nice one, Ebukah!